A heartfelt note from the granddaughters of Abdul Malek Ukil

Bangabandhu, the greatest gift to Bangalis, a celebrated and deeply loved leader turned 100 years old yesterday (March 17). As a generation born in an independent country who have no memory of his times, the struggle, the people behind that struggle and eventually the independence and having grown up listening to the saga of his exploits, we can only feel proud to call him our own. A man who would have turned 100 this day lived and believed beyond it till 55. A Bangali, by Banglalis and for Bangalis. He was a man with a larger than life persona, a hero whose notions and philosophies are as relevant today as they were during his lifetime. Happy birthday Bangabandhu, we hope to take forward our enigmatic Bangladesh as you would have wanted it to be.

Tributes are pouring in for the greatest Bangali of all times on his birth centenary.

On this day, it is our privilege to be sharing some intimate captured memories of Bangabandhu with our grandfather Abdul Malek Ukil, an individual we fatefully missed out on having the opportunity to know in person being born after his demise. It has been an absolute privilege to have grown up hearing narratives of personal and significant events from both our maternal and paternal family members who very intimately witnessed Bangabandhu’s magnanimity and grandeur.

Abdul Malek Ukil and Bangabandhu sharing a light intimate moment together.

These photographs are especially endearing to us as my late grandfather Abdul Malek Ukil, member of Bangabandhu’s cabinet, speaker of the Jatiyo Sangsad, former president of Bangladesh Awami League, one of the pioneers of both the language movement and the liberation movement, was not only ideologically and politically close to Bangabandhu but was also a very dear companion of his.

As citizens of Bangladesh we want to wish Bangabandhu a heavenly abode and remember him with utmost respect for he is perhaps one of the only few personalities in the world who not only led but also made leaders. Our deepest thoughts are with his family members on this day. We would also like to extend our commendation to the Hon’ble PM Sheikh Hasina, the most devoted daughter a father could ask for, as we truly acknowledge her undying commitment and sacrifices for keeping Bangabandhu alive among all generations.

Then Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Abdul Malek Ukil, then President of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and then President of India V. V. GIRI.

This day is a reminder for the nation to come together in good spirit in the memory of our father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and contribute towards making a ‘Sonar Bangla’. His noble personality, leadership and ideas have given us our flag, our independence and our identities as Bangladeshis for generations to come. This legacy which he left with each and every Bangladeshi shall rejuvenate the nation and help us move forward and upwards.

Writers:

Barrister Prianka Ahsan

Barrister Fatiimah Waariithah Ahsan

Barrister Priya Ahsan

(Granddaughters of late Abdul Malek Ukil, former speaker of the Jatiyo Sangsad)

Dhaka/AI